LNK is a file extension for a shortcut file used by the Microsoft Windows operating system. It usually offers a direct link to an executable or EXE file, without having to navigate to it. Sometimes, a Windows Registry error can end up...
Method 1 of 4:
Running a Registry Fix for Windows
Download the Registry fix for Windows. Usually, .lnk extensions fail to work properly due to a failed Windows Update, missing files or files corrupted by malware. You can download and run .lnk file association fixes to solve this problem.
Run the Registry fix. Once you download the Registry fix, double-click on it. This will automatically run the fix.
Download the .lnk file repair tool from Tweaking.com. This is an alternate registry fix tool, which is available free of charge. This tool supports all versions of the Windows operating system.
Wait till the process is completed. Wait a while to allow the prompt from the Registry Editor.
Restart your PC. Restarting your computer will save the changes you made to the Registry.Method 3 of 4:
Scanning Your PC for Malware
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. In some cases, a .lnk file extension problem can be caused by a computer virus. Anti-Malware is one of the most popular anti-malware programs available online. This software can easily detect and remove malicious programs from your computer.
Double-click on the mbam-setup file. This will install the software onto your PC.
Setup the Software. Follow the onscreen prompts to continue with the setup process. Remember not to change any of the default settings.
Click Finish. This will finish the installation process.
Do not restart the computer. If you are prompted to reboot your system, do not do so.
Select "Malwarebytes free" to avoid paying for the service. Once Anti-Malware starts, you will be prompted to sign up for a trial period of their paid services.. Click 'free' if you only wish to use the on-demand scanner.
Run the Anti-Malware scan. On the Scanner tab, select 'Perform quick scan'.
Click the 'Scan' button. This will start scanning your computer for malicious files. Once the scan is finished, a message box will appear, indicating the same.
Click OK. This will bring up a list displaying the list of malware infections that the software detected on your computer.
Remove the infections. Check all the boxes to select all the corrupted files. Then click on the 'Remove Selected' button. Anti-Malware will now start removing all the malware.
Restart your PC in Normal mode. Once the scan is done, Anti-Malware will prompt you to restart your computer. Accept this prompt and reboot your PC as usual. This will put your changes into effect.
Method 4 of 4:
Manually Fixing the Registry
Click Start. You can fix the problem either by restoring the registry key from another computer, or by manually replacing it on your own computer. To manually edit your registry, do the following:
Type 'Regedt32.exe' into the search box. This will bring up a list of files in the search menu.
Click on executable file. This will open the file. Alternatively, right-click the program and then click 'Open'.
Start the Registry Editor. Click Yes to start working with the registry editor.
Go to the subkey, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.lnk. Find the root file first. The .lnk folder will be listed under it.
Edit the existing file. Go to the Edit Menu.
Click Add Key.
Name the new key. Now type '.lnk' (without quotation marks) as the key name. Make sure to leave the Class box blank.
Edit the Add Value box. On the Edit menu, click Add Value. Leave the Value Name box blank.
Type 'command' (without quotation marks).
In the Data Type list, click REG_SZ.
In the String Editor box, type 'lnkfile' (without quotation marks).
Click OK.
Type 'ShellNew' (without quotation marks). On the Edit menu, click Add Key. Then type 'ShellNew'.
Click REG_SZ in the Data name box.
Type 'RunDLL32 AppWiz.Cpl,NewLinkHere %1' (without quotation marks) as the string value.
Restore the registry. Select the new key. Click Restore from the Registry. Then select the file that you saved on your disk or pen drive.
Restart your computer. Press the 'X' button on your Registry Editor. You will quit the program. Then reboot your computer to put your changes into effect.
Test your changes. Test a program menu or shortcut. If it works properly, your changes have been made successfully.
Jessica TannerUpdate 04 March 2020
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